Ilkeston HWRC recycles used vapes to save precious resources from going up in smoke

Derbyshire County Council has announced that its Household Waste Recyling Centres, including its site on the Manners Industrial Estate in Ilkeston, can recycle used vapes.

In a statement, the authority said that, every week, vapers in the UK throw away 1 million single use vapes in household and public waste bins - a rate of two per second. It also said that such action is bad for the environment and a waste of precious metals contained within such as steel, aluminium, copper and lithium, the supplies of which are limited. Additionally, there is also the plug, battery and cable which goes to waste too. 

The good news is that vapes can now be recycled thanks to advances in technology and collected at each of the county council’s household waste recycling centres ready to be carefully broken down to recover the materials. 

As well as being better for the environment, the move to dispose of vapes at recycling centres is seen as safer as they can become a fire hazard when thrown in the bin at home, as lithium batteries they contain can ignite if accidentally crushed when being transported in waste vehicles.

As a result, specialist recycling bins have been introduced at all the recycling centres to encourage the safe and efficient recycling of vapes. 

Deputy Leader of Derbyshire County Council Councillor Simon Spencer said: “The growth in popularity of vapes means huge volumes are being thrown away and we want to encourage more safe and effective collection and recycling of them. 

“Waste companies are becoming increasingly concerned about the risk of vapes igniting in waste vehicles and waste processing facilities.  

“That’s why specialist bins have been introduced at all of our household waste recycling centres so that people who use vapes can dispose of them safely and responsibly, in the knowledge that they will be recycled.”

Both the plastic and battery components in vapes are recycled as are the precious metals. The recovered lithium can be used for batteries for electric cars or in the manufacture of mobile phones.

Other electricals including kettles, lamps, laptops and fridges can be recycled at the county council’s Household Waste Recycling Centres, open seven days a week. 

Residents can also visit  recycling vapes  at www.recycleyourelectricals.org.uk and put in their post code to find other places where vapes and other electricals can be recycled.  

For those looking for support to quit vaping visit the Derbyshire County Council Live Life Better Derbyshire page.